against Republican ideals - I respect ideals like fiscal conservatism, small and non-intrusive government, privacy for individuals. There are lots of things to admire.

Why do so few Republicans in the Federal government believe in them?

At least until recently, the primary political leaning of the web is libertarian anarchist.  Of the US political parties, the Republicans are closer to that, so they're likely to do well on the web.

However, the Republican party of late has not been a party of small government, has not been fiscally conservative, and is certainly not reasuring on the intrusion and privacy fronts.

As such, the 'paleo-conservative' politicos - people like John McCain (R-Arizona) - are likely to have a very strong following on the web.

Ever since Reagan, the Republicans have been a party of big government.  It's just that the Republicans are all about military spending.  Similarly, the religeous fundementalist agenda has compromised the privacy and non-intrusive aspects of the republican ideal.